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Office Of Personnel Management Now Protects Transgender Employees

On Friday afternoon, the White House Office of Personnel Management issued new guidelines for protecting and respecting transgender employees, including non-discrimination protections based on gender identity. The memo offers understanding and direction for creating an inclusive environment, particularly for those who may transition while employed:

Some individuals will find it necessary to transition from living and working as one gender to another. These individuals often seek some form of medical treatment such as counseling, hormone therapy, electrolysis, and reassignment surgery. Some individuals, however, will not pursue some (or any) forms of medical treatment because of their age, medical condition, lack of funds, or other personal circumstances. Managers and supervisors should be aware that not all transgender individuals will follow the same pattern, but they all are entitled to the same consideration as they undertake the transition steps deemed appropriate for them, and should all be treated with dignity and respect.